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Well, I started this restoration years ago. I replaced the whole chassis except for the underguard. Additionally, I added a belt drive conversion, replaced the outer gears, installed turnbuckles, an rc screwz set, new drive hexes and a few other bits.

So, I need to get a body on it and adjust a few more things...maybe adding HPI's superstar buggy wheels, obtain a motor guard. Since I plan on driving it, I'm not going to use an original Turbo optima body. I think I may have an idea of what to use but I'm going to wait on posting that until I can get a picture. Maybe I can add a wing...that would be cool.

That looks very sweet, I like it

Love those tires. your build looks great can't wait to see it with a body on it.

I have 2 words for you: desert gator

The sand viper is the same cheap price, but the desert gator is my top favourite for its simple lines which make it old-timers so well

Funny you should mention that. I actually have a desert gator body. I think it may work BUT there are a few minor problems. These bodies come with mounting holes already drilled...so mounts need to bu adjusted accordingly. Additionally, the design of the optima is a little different from most buggies: The rear shocks are mounted in front of the shock tower which means the body needs to be a little longer to fit properly. I think it can be done but it's going to require some thinking.

go Protech I

Asso_man! wrote:go Protech I

That's my next option. It has plenty of "space" for the large upper deck of the Optima. Just have to place a tower hobbies order.

the desert gators front mounting hole is pretty much in the standard location and the one in the roof I'm not using: that's where the old style AMB will go

It would be quickly covered with a sticker too.

If your body isn't cut yet, you can get an extra centimeter behind the cockpit by not following the intended lines and the cockpit is narrow enought to fit between the shocks.

Protechs were a common alternative for the Optima, easier to get hold of and cheaper than the original shell. Pic borrowed fromTime Tunnel.

Now that looks fantastic. I think that's where I'm headed. Today's buggy bodies have so much less surface area than the older ones. I have the perfect hood decal too.

I got a protech body today. I'll post some pictures once I get it cut and painted. I'm using some Tamiya touring car body mounts on the rear, much like the Time Tunnel version. Man, the optima does not have many places to bolt extra stuff to.

The Protech does look dam sweet

Ok, guys, do you think he used a CRP shock tower on the rear? It doesn't look like the standard aluminum one.

http://www93.sakura.ne.jp/~time-tunnel/000-020op5.html

CRp or JG?

Send Tak a PM, he'll know.